How Does Surrogacy Work for Gay Parents?

Family building comes in different forms and styles, especially in these modern times. Due to recent technological advancements and breakthroughs in fertility treatments, it is becoming increasingly possible for individuals who would previously have no hope of having their biological children to have them. One of those advancements is gestational surrogacy. This provides an answer to the query, “How does surrogacy work for gay parents?” It has become crucial, especially for same-sex couples who desire to expand their family with babies that have a biological relationship with them. 

The practice has gained popularity so much that fertility agencies that offer the service have flourished. These agencies are not even difficult to find, and they specialise in tailored services for especially same-sex couples that may seek the service. They offer or have links that offer legal advice, insurance advice, medical services, transportation and accommodation services. Sometimes, they even have tailored packages for the different financial tiers of their clients. They ensure that the complex journey of surrogacy is made more stress-free and highly streamlined.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a form of fertility treatment where a woman, who is referred to as the surrogate, agrees to get pregnant and deliver a baby for a couple or an individual who is known as the intended parents or parent. Surrogacy is a long, complex and complicated process that requires appropriate planning before it can be carried out. Due to the nature of surrogacy, different countries have different laws that govern it. In some countries like Mexico even, different states have different regulations on surrogacy. Surrogacy for gay parents is not legal in a majority of countries that offer surrogacy. However, some countries like Cyprus and Kenya offer surrogacy for gay parents.

What are the types of surrogacy?

There are two forms of surrogacy that are widely recognized. The traditional and the commercial type, the main difference between the two is the way that the embryo is created. In commercial surrogacy, the embryo is created from the sperm and egg obtained from the intended parents. This is done in vitro in the lab, after which the embryo is transferred to the uterus of the surrogate for gestation. But in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with the sperm from the intended father and uses her eggs to get pregnant. This creates a genetic link between the baby and the surrogate which does not exist in commercial surrogacy. 

Gestational surrogacy is an option that can be done by gay parents or by same-sex couples. Gestational surrogacy is quite complex and requires a lot of involvement and investments. This includes both financial and emotional involvements. The gay parents supply the semen, while the eggs for fertilization are gotten from a donor. After fertilization, one or two embryos are then implanted into the gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy to term and deliver.

Costs of surrogacy for gay parents 

The costs that may be encountered in the process of surrogacy can be classified under the following headings:

• Surrogacy and egg donor fees
• Professional fees
• Insurance
• Miscellaneous costs which may include transportation, accommodation and the rest

It is usually a lot harder for intended parents to pursue surrogacy on their own with no professional help. This is why it is always advised for them to make use of an agency. These agencies are set up to help the parents navigate the difficult process of surrogacy and reduce the stress of the surrogacy journey. They even aim to reduce the costs of the process by providing a highly streamlined treatment which cuts down on unnecessary financial involvements that the intended parents may not even be aware of. 

Some of these agencies even offer packages that are meant to concentrate only on the wants and desires of the intended parents. For example, some agencies will have a surrogacy-only package, which would be cheaper than a package that is for surrogacy as well as egg donation. Some agencies even include transportation and accommodation in their package. This is especially for intended parents who are seeking surrogacy internationally due to favourable surrogacy laws and otherwise would not be familiar with the country they are going to.

What qualities should intended parents look for in a surrogacy agency?

When looking for an agency that will be in charge of a crucial treatment like surrogacy, it should not have to be said that a very meticulous attitude should be employed in the search. A lot of work is needed in the planning and execution of the surrogacy process. Added to it are the surrogacy laws that need to be known, especially if the surrogacy is in a foreign country. 

The surrogacy agency will work with the intended parents to safely and easily navigate the complications that may be faced, meaning that they may be in contact almost daily for the entire process of the surrogacy. This means that as well as being knowledgeable of the surrogacy process, the agency must also be client-friendly to not add to the stress being faced by the intended parents. The three main qualities that intended parents must ensure that their prospective agency has are:

Client friendliness 

This is a very important quality that they must have. The agency must be able to offer full-service support to the intended parents throughout the surrogacy journey politely and patiently. The professionals that will be needed throughout the process should be available. They must also be kind and patient with them to make the process as smooth as possible and reduce the stress faced by the intended parents.

Experience with working with same-sex couples 

This quality is very important. The agency should be current with the same-sex surrogacy laws of the country that is chosen for the surrogacy journey. This is very important as surrogacy laws undergo constant changes. Working with an agency that is very knowledgeable and current in both the surrogacy laws and the social aspects ensures that not only will the surrogacy be successful, but the stress that will be faced by the intended parents will be reduced.

Protection of the interests of the intended parents 

This is an important requirement. The agency should be acting for their clients which are the intended parents, against any hitches that may come up. This may be in the form of laws, on the side of the surrogate or even during the transfer of parental rights. The agency should have an accomplished legal team that will ensure that the rights of the parents are upheld and guarded safely and securely.